Police investigating ‘gay cure’ activists for handing out leaflets on tube
Police are investigating allegations that ‘gay cure’ activists broke the law by handing out political leaflets on the London Underground on election day.
The Core Issues Trust, which advocates ‘curing’ homosexuality, has been involved in a long-running battle with Transport for London and London Mayor Boris Johnson after an “ex-gay” ad was banned from being displayed on London buses in April 2012.
The High Court ruled last year that Mayor of London Boris Johnson did not abuse his position over the incident.
However, leaflets were distributed leaflets on the Metropolitan line on Thursday attacking the Mayor over the incident – as Mr Johnson was attempting to become an MP in Uxbridge and Ruislip South.
A PinkNews reader says leaflets were handed out claiming that “Boris used taxpayers’ money to employ very expensive lawyers against a small Christian charity” – while also questioning statements he made to the court.
The police are investigating the matter – which may breach election laws, in addition to transport bylaws.
The TfL code of conduct states: “Except with written permission from the Operator, no person on the railway shall display anything for the purpose of advertising or publicity, or distribute anything”.
A Metropolitan police spokesperson told Buzzfeed: “We are aware of an issue relating to the distribution of politically motivated leaflets on rail services on the Metropolitan line during the course of Thursday, 7 May.
“We thank those who have brought the issue to our attention and will now seek to investigate the matter in the most appropriate manner.”
A Transport for London spokesperson added: “We don’t give people permission to flyer tube trains at any time. It’s not something we allow to happen.
“It’s probably a bylaw offence but in terms of whether it’s an offence under election law I don’t know.”
The leaflets had little effect on Mr Johnson, who was elected with a substantial majority.
